Nathan Lyon disappointed at having to cancel Hampshire deal

Australian Test spinner Nathan Lyon said it is "disappointing" not to be able to play county cricket with Hampshire this year but he remains hopeful of rekindling the opportunity in the near future.
The 32-year-old was meant to play in the first ...

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Cricket Australia has joined the majority of sport’s governing bodies in standing down ‘all but skeleton staff’ due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The move will commence on April 27 and run until the end of the financial year, with a statement acknowledging the impact the cuts will have on staff.

“The impacts on the sports industry of the coronavirus pandemic are bigger than anyone in sport,” it read.

“Cricket Australia - like all sporting bodies - is planning for a return to training/play although no one is certain when this will be possible at this stage, and many scenarios are being considered.

“We are conscious of the impact this will have on Australian Cricket and are working hard to manage that proactively.

Camera IconExternal view of The Gabba on April 07, 2020 in Brisbane. Credit: Jono Searle/Getty Images

“We have made the decision during this period of isolation, where activity has naturally been reduced, to stand down our people on reduced pay (with the exception of skeleton staff) effective 27 April for the remainder of the financial year.”

The decision comes following the postponement of Australia’s two-Test series against Bangladesh in June, with serious doubt also cast over the likelihood of July’s white-ball series against England going ahead.

The Indian Premier League, which was scheduled to begin on March 29, has been suspended indefinitely after India extended their country lockdown until at least May 3.

“We will continue to seek advice from medical experts and relevant government agencies to ensure the health and safety of our people, volunteers and communities, are to return to business as soon as possible,” the statement read.